VVPAT slips found scattered on Bihar roadside: Samastipur poll official suspended

According to an official statement, an assistant returning officer (ARO) has been suspended for negligence, and an FIR has been registered against him following the discovery.

The Chief Electoral Officer’s office confirmed that the slips belonged to a mock poll and not the actual voting process. Officials stressed that poll integrity remains uncompromised.

The incident came to light after a purported video showing the slips lying on the road went viral on social media, raising concerns about election management in the state.

Election Commission Orders Inquiry

Following the viral video, the Election Commission directed the district magistrate (DM) of Samastipur to visit the site and conduct an inquiry.

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The statement from the CEO’s office read: “As these are VVPAT slips of a mock poll, the integrity of the polling process remains uncompromised. The contesting candidates have also been informed by the DM. However, the ARO is being suspended for negligence and an FIR is being registered against him.”

Officials have launched a full investigation into the incident to determine how the slips ended up on the roadside.

The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections covering 121 constituencies took place on November 6. The Election Commission has reiterated that all protocols for safe and transparent voting are being strictly followed across the state.

The incident underscores the Commission’s zero-tolerance approach toward procedural lapses during the ongoing polls.